Scalloped Kohlrabi Recipe - How to Cook Kohlrabi - These Old Cookbooks (2024)

July 8, 2023July 8, 2023

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Learn how to eat and cook kohlrabi, an often misunderstood vegetable that is available at farmers’ markets in the summer. Scalloped kohlrabi is the best way to eat this unique vegetable. It’s a simple recipe that mimics a potato gratin. My family can’t even tell the difference.

What is kohlrabi?

Kohlrabi is a unique vegetable that can be eaten cooked or raw. It’s a mix between a cabbage and a turnip. Trim the leaves, peel the skin, and then treat it similar to a potato. Boil, roast, steam, or add it to a casserole. Kohlrabi gratin or scalloped kohlrabi is especially tasty, and most people will think it’s just a potato casserole.

Can I eat kohlrabi raw?

Yes, kohlrabi slice or sticks are the perfect addition to a crudité platter. Trim the leaves, peel the skin first. When eaten raw, kohlrabi has the flavor similar to radish but sweeter. Try serving with your favorite veggie dip, or add it to the top of a salad for a little crunch. You’ll find it resembles jicama or fennel.

Scalloped Kohlrabi

We have been recently been getting kohlrabi in our weekly CSA box from the Purdue Student Farm. I’ll be honest, I had no idea what to do with this interesting vegetable. I turned to my favorite cookbook when it comes to vegetables called Vegetables on the Side, The Complete Guide to Buying and Cooking.

Each chapter is dedicated to a vegetable, complete with explanations and recipes. It was here that I learned how to cook kohlrabi. I found a recipe for Kohlrabi Gratin with Onions, which is really just another name for Cheesy Kohlrabi Casserole or Scalloped Kohlrabi.

Ingredient List for Cheesy Scalloped Kohlrabi

• Butter
• Kohlrabi
• Onion
• All Purpose Flour
• Milk
• Salt and Black Pepper
• Dried Italian Herbs (Oregano, Marjoram, Rosemary, Thyme, Basil, etc)
• Grated Parmesan Cheese

How to Cook Kohlrabi

Step By Step Instructions

Full ingredient amounts and recipe steps for scalloped kohlrabi can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Recipe Variations

• Substitute heavy cream or half and half for regular milk.
• Use a mixture of potatoes and kohlrabi, if needed.
• Add minced garlic for more flavor.
• An Italian herb blend can be used or make your own blend with any dried herbs.
• Instead of Italian herbs, try Herb de Provence instead.
• Freshly grated Parmesan is my favorite, but in a bind try other types of shredded cheese.
• Make this a main course by adding cubed ham, bacon or cooked pork sausage in the layers.
• I love to sprinkle paprika over the top of a cheesy casserole before baking.

Recipe FAQs

• Any type of casserole dish, soufflé dish, or ovenproof dish will work for this kohlrabi casserole recipe.
• White or yellow onion works best; however, in a bind, use dried, minced onion.
• If you only have a couple kohlrabi to use up, either halve the recipe or add a couple potatoes in with the kohlrabi.
• Have a family who doesn’t like new recipes? Call this kohlrabi gratin a potato gratin or scalloped potatoes and no one will be the wiser.
• If you are looking for a regular potato dish, try Farmwife Cooks’ Cheese Potato Casserole.

What are the different ways to eat kohlrabi?

• Raw (trip and peeled first)
• Sautéed in butter or olive oil (try adding mushrooms and white wine)
• Roasted
• Braised in chicken broth
• Steamed
• Kohlrabi fritters
• Boiled
• Kohlrabi Soup (try adding potatoes, leeks and cream)
• Kohlrabi Casserole
• Scalloped kohlrabi or kohlrabi gratin
• Peeled and cut into matchsticks to top a salad
• Kohlrabi slaw

Do you eat the skin of kohlrabi?

No, peel the skin of a kohlrabi before eating or preparing. The easiest way to peel is with a vegetable peeler.

What does a kohlrabi taste like?

Eaten raw, kohlrabi has the mild flavor that is a cross between a cabbage and a turnip. Some people also say it tastes like a sweet radish.

Can I eat kohlrabi leaves?

Yes, do not throw those out. Leave the leaves whole or cut into shreds, and then prepare in the same manner that you would beet greens or spinach.

What meat goes with kohlrabi?

Kohlrabi has such a mild flavor that it can be served along any meat or main course. It pairs especially with ham or sausage since it mimics the flavor or a mild cabbage.

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